Disney World Reopening Update: June Cancellations, Paid Sick Time & Mandatory Masks
It’s time for yet another Walt Disney World closure & reopening news roundup. This time we’ll cover a wide range of topics, from June reservation cancellations to specific health safety measures agreed upon by WDW and its unions to sporting events and more.
The good news is that some of this is a change of pace. It includes what’s up with the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon, the potential for future major events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports, and more. There have been a lot of rumors about the latter, and we’re finally going to discuss those since they’re fascinating and fun.
The bad news is that there’s more same old, same old. This includes Walt Disney World starting to cancel June reservations and more discussion of health safety measures. We had hoped to limit this type of roundup post to once per week, but a lot has happened in the last couple of days (and it wouldn’t surprise us if Disney does another late Friday news dump given that Disney Springs reopens next week).
Let’s starting with sports. Per the Athletic, Major League Soccer’s plan to return to play is coming together, with the league having recently distributed a proposal to plays and clubs that would entail a summer tournament in Florida involving all 26 teams. The proposal calls for players and coaches to head to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World to begin training on June 1, with the tournament set to begin on June 22, 2020.
This is far from the first rumor about a professional sports league playing out its season at the “bubble complex” of ESPN Wide World of Sports. What seemingly started as a theoretical idea for the NBA by one sports journalist is now something being reported by Disney-owned ESPN and has been greeted with enthusiasm by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Personally, I’ve found this saga incredibly fascinating, but I’m not sure how much Walt Disney World fans care about this (if there is interest, let me know–I’ll consider covering it).
It’s clearly a popular time for sporting events at Walt Disney World, as next year’s Marathon Weekend events (set for January 6-10, 2021) sold out in record time. Pre-registration took place last week for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents and many on social media reported difficulties booking because options were gone so quickly.
This week, general public registration began for the 2021 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and all of the events similarly sold out in under 30 minutes. Much less, in some cases. In years past, registration for runDisney events moved fast…but I don’t recall anything like this recently as prices have skyrocketed and popularity has waned.
There are a couple of possibilities here. One is a mix of pent-up demand and this hitting the sweet spot of exactly what people are daydreaming of doing. While stuck sitting at home, the prospect of participating in an outdoor recreational activities at Walt Disney World sounds delightful.
The other is that runDisney significantly capped attendance as a preliminary measure, as they’re unsure what runner-spacing requirements might be necessary in January if social distancing requirements are ongoing (which seems like a safe bet). It’s easier to cap numbers now and release more bibs later than to deal with the backlash of arbitrarily cancelling some registrations. (I’d bet on this possibility, but I’m perhaps overly bearish on the true extent of pent-up demand.)
Next, the first week of June 2020 is now officially out of the question for a reopening of Walt Disney World’s parks and resorts. Disney has removed theme park hours between now and June 6, 2020. Additionally, cancellation emails have gone out to those with vacation arrival dates between June 1 and 6, 2020.
Week by week rolling cancellations has been Walt Disney World’s standard practice (save for Disney Vacation Club reservations, in our experience). As with all email notifications from Walt Disney World, it’s entirely possible not everyone impacted received one–either check your spam folder or attempt to view the reservation directly on My Disney Experience if you didn’t get an email but should have.
This squares with Walt Disney World Delaying New Reservations Until July 1, 2020. At this point, it seems like any of the parks or resorts being operational in late June is a long shot. July is more reasonable, but potentially still overly optimistic in light of Disney’s recent comments at the Orange County Task Force meeting.
One big blow here is that Walt Disney World ended its Free Dining Summer Recovery Deal early. Many guests have already learned this while attempting to rebook, which is frustrating (to put it mildly). We speculate as to the reasons for this in our update to that post, but the bottom line is that we remain optimistic about future discounts once Disney has solidified operational plans and logistics. While there is pent-up demand, there are also lags between booking and traveling, plus economic realities. (As we’ve said before, locals aren’t booking hotel rooms in huge numbers.)
Regardless of when the parks and resorts do reopen, we should have an idea a couple weeks in advance. Supplies will need to be ordered, infrastructure adjusted, and Cast Members will be called back to work (you can’t notify tens of thousands of people of something and have it remain a closely-guarded secret).
Suffice to say, there’s a lot of groundwork that will need to be laid, it’s not like flipping a switch. On the plus side, that’s starting to happen with Walt Disney World and its unions…
Last up is the agreements between Walt Disney World and its unions, which offer a sneak peek into the health safety measures and policies that will be implemented once things start to reopen. Most of this is unsurprising given the recent comments of both Chairman Bob Iger and CEO Bob Chapek, but those were crouched with “likely” and other ambiguity.
A statement from Unite Here Central Florida (corroborated to the Orlando Sentinel by another union), offers new details and confirms what was previously floated by those executives. First, Cast Members who get sick will receive guaranteed paid time-off to quarantine. (We would expect this to be extended to non-union Cast Members, as well.)
Second, Cast Members will be trained on how to conduct self-assessments of symptoms at home–anyone with symptoms can call in sick without violating the attendance policy. Walt Disney World will provide a thermometer to any Cast Members who request one. In addition to multiple levels of health safety training before returning to work, Cast Members will be involved with monthly safety meetings to discuss the evolving situation.
Third, safeguards will include social distancing practices, installation of plastic barriers at all cash registers, touchless transactions at cash registers, high traffic areas will be cleaned more regularly, and additional hand-washing stations are being installed, and guest temperature checks.
Finally, three washable face masks will be provided to each Cast Member. These will be required for all guests and Cast Members. Most of these practices are consistent with what was previously intimated by Disney officials, and are consistent with the policies implemented by Universal for its reopening of CityWalk.
With this information leaking out to the press via unions, we would expect an official announcement directly from Walt Disney World after the close of business today. Such an announcement, if one happens, will likely only address Disney Springs at this point. However, it’s our understanding that the agreement reached with the union covers everywhere at Walt Disney World. If there’s anything new to report in terms of safety procedures at the theme parks or resorts, we’ll follow-up.
These formal agreements between Disney and unions are significant as they set standards for Cast Member safety that cannot be unilaterally undone or changed. That should put to rest the back and forth arguments among Walt Disney World fans about all of this. (Naivety or wishful thinking on my part? Perhaps!) This is going to be the temporary abnormal for some period of time while things get back to the long-term normal at Walt Disney World.
You now can vote with your wallet one way or the other, or perhaps contact Walt Disney World directly (although that is an exercise in futility at this point). Quarreling with fellow fans about this in the comments section of a Disney blog is now about as effective as shaking your fist at a cloud. If you’re inclined to do the former, please do the latter instead. (Just be sure to observe proper social distancing practices if you go outside to shake your fist!) All jokes aside, we appreciate everyone who has been reading these updates, and especially those who have shared their opinions–whatever those might be–in a respectful and courteous manner. By and large, you’ve all been great!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think of this news? Did you receive a June cancellation email from Walt Disney World? Successfully register for the 2021 Marathon Weekend races? Intrigued by pro leagues potentially coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports? We welcome a variety of viewpoints here, and will never delete anything on opinion alone. However, we will not tolerate insults, arguing, or politically-charged comments. Don’t ruin a 95% fine comment with an unnecessary cheap shot–that 5% will get it deleted. Please do not incessantly harp on the same point. Say your piece and move along.
I just miss Disney World!! Can’t wait to go back!! See ya real soon! 😉
Hoping that we will be able to go in August . If masks are mandatory we will still be there. The only way right now to contain this virus is for everyone to wear a mask if you can’t practice safe social distancing and that’s hard to do in a theme park. I see masks being a part of Disney World for many years to come. Think of the lawsuits they would face if an outbreak occurs there and they weren’t doing everything possible to prevent that.
Spending a long day at a Disney theme park wearing a mask does not seem very magical to me. I go to Disney World to escape reality and have fun. Just the thought of seeing everyone in masks at Disney World is so depressing. It’s a constant reminder to be afraid. I hope Disney has plans to refund those of us (passholders) who rather not go there during this very un-magical time.
I appreciate your commentary on the runDisney event in January. I have a challenge bib for the Wine and Dine weekend in November, and the uncertainty is killing me. Bibs went quickly when those went on sale in early March, and I’m concerned that it wasn’t “capped” like the January event likely was. I expect the parks to be open in some regard by then, but due to the size of the field, I can’t see them being able to socially distance us as needed. I anticipate the event being cancelled, but I sure hope I’m wrong.
I am getting married and my honeymoon was scheduled in Disney World started July 22. I have so been looking forward to this but I can’t handle the thought of wearing a mask for a week in the Florida heat. I am just not going to spend that kind of money to spend a week struggling to breath so I will cancel and go somewhere else. The problem is, I don’t know how long to wait. The odds are pretty good you will have to wear a mask at the end of July?
I wouldnt chance it as I live in FL and an annual pass holder and I dont know when or if I will go to Disney this yer at all.
I think the odds are pretty good that cast and guests will be wearing masks until there’s a vaccine. As a 20 year cast member, I shouldn’t have to put my health or my loved ones’ health at risk to accommodate guests who would rather not wear masks.
You can receive a full refund of your reservation, but if you bought your park tickets already, it’s my understanding you either have to use them by end of the year OR get a credit to use towards the purchase of 2021 tickets. Typically the prices increase in February, so you may not get tickets for the same price you paid for 2020. Hope this helps.
Bec, thank you for your kind words. My husband and I not only spent our honeymoon at Disney World, we were there for our 20th anniversary, also. Hopefully we’ll all get to go back sooner rather than later. Happy 20th anniversary to you and your husband!
Have gone to Disney World over 50 times travelling from Ohio and then Colorado. Had my first trip to Disney Tokyo for this spring planned. Obviously, we all feel like we are burning daylight here. Here’s the thing though. I am also a Funeral Director. To quote,”These things must be done delicately.” I trust Disney, at least mostly, to do the right thing. Went through a force 10 storm on the Magic in the Carribean with Captain Tom in command. Felt totally safe.
Really interesting how they handle with their Coronavirus reglament.. In normal conditions Disney completely failed with any reasonable regulations. In my case in 2018 I just literrally was dying in their Great Park. No food, no vacant restrooms, and also no smallest room for sitting!! In spite of I am invalid their workers have thrown me out. Not letting me for a sit on any place inside their Great Park!!
I for one am all over Sports news, so if you’re taking a poll for those who are interested in any and all news related to sports occurring at the Wide World of Sports Complex with the signature Bricker twist, count me in â˜ï¸
First, love your blog Tom! I have been a longtime follower!! Second, we were originally supposed to go in March for Spring Break but of course had to cancel due to initial closing of WDW, so we moved our trip to May. By end of April we knew the parks would still be closed in May, so we moved to August. I can tell you with 100% certainty that we will NOT be going to WDW until the mandate to wear a mask is lifted for both cast members and guests, even if that means we wait another year!!! My daughter has a legit phobia of masks, so this has been really hard for her. I am also concerned about the limited experiences, such as fewer dining reservations, fast passes, parade and fireworks cancellations, etc. – why would I spend thousands of dollars and get half the normal, magical experience? If we were locals, maybe it would be different (although mandatory masks is still a deal breaker for us). Not complaining, we are healthy and it’s not the end of the world if we have to push our trip, but it is still heartbreaking for my daughter, the kids just don’t understand all this. Keep us posted Tom and thanks for all you do!!
We love your blog! Emails of new publications are the highlight to my day. I like how you present information, even disappointing news about delayed/unknown reopenings, without all the doom and gloom. Honestly, I’m overloaded with pandemic news – your blog brings some form of normalcy. Even if my next vacation is further out than I’d like, the simply tasks of planning and dreaming of Disney bring joy! Keep up the amazing work, you both are so appreciated during this time!
Hello, all. I made reservations last evening for a week in September for our first honeymoon at Ft Wilderness campground. We are full time rvers from Georgia. We hope they will at least open the campground as most campgrounds are open and social distancing is the norm for us. We will go to a park or two if they are open but will also be happy to just camp and go to Disney Springs. We appreciate all the safety measures being implemented. We have been wearing masks for a while now and wearing them at DW would be what we’d probably do anyway. Thanks for your updates- love reading your blogs and being able to keep up with all things Disney! May the force be with you all. Lol. Pamela and Steve
The hardest part at this point is not being able to plan for a future trip 🙁 We had a trip planned for first week of May which we obviously cancelled. Our Disney park tickets are good now until 12/15 so it would be nice to be able to get to go sometime this year but who knows at this point. Half the fun is in the planning and anticipation so I am beyond disappointed. I appreciate these updates though, they give me hope!
The Florida governor just announced that theme parks can submit their plans for the mayors to approve them so hold on I’m sure it will be in the next few weeks
Our family of 8 had a Disneyworld vacay planned for a year for March which was cancelled. I wish Disney would just honor the entire ticket price next year because we can’t travel during our busy season & we can’t enjoy beach time in winter. They said they may apply the amount to tickets in 2021 but I think due to the circumstances they should honor tickets.
If sports teams practice at ESPN in June, where will they stay? Certainly not Disney resorts?!
I thought that before too. Can you imagine all these overpaid ‘professional’ crybabies having to stay in regular hotel rooms like some kind of commoners? I say park them all at the terrible resorts, especially A.S.Sports (the worst of them all).
There are a ton of fancy vacation rental homes around Walt Disney World that cannot be rented out right now–I’m guessing the state and Osceola County (where most are located) would find a way to make an exception for the NBA, MLS, etc.
The Athletic reported yesterday that MLS suggested its players would stay at Coronado Springs. The players’ union is concerned in turn about having all the players in a single hotel complex, even a sprawling one.
Regarding free dining, there is a way Disney could still offer it as a discount. I’m guessing it wouldn’t be a popular option with most, but they could still offer the base version that covers only counter service. Or that new plan that can be used at both counter and sit down. Honestly we were hoping for the base dining plan for our December trip. Even though we’d like to do a couple of sit down restaurants, the way the dining package is set up doesn’t work well for us. We rarely, if ever order dessert at a sit down and tend to split meals, or just order an appetizer and a salad for our main meal, neither of which are covered. I know a lot of people like it for character meals, but if restaurants are limited and you wouldn’t get a reservation anyway, wouldn’t you end up eating at counter service? Then the basic dining plan would still be a value. Just a thought but as Tom has said often, Disney doesn’t do this as a favor to us. It has to make them money, so we’ll see…
On the sports front, yes let’s hear about it!:)
Governor just announced retail and dining up to 50%, starting Monday I hope DS will follow suit! Theme parks can submit plans for reopening! Cross your fingers everybody!.
Fingers, toes and everything else I can cross, crossed! We have a trip planned for mid-July. Still hoping and praying it happens.
I see a lot of people saying they can’t imagine wearing a mask in the Florida heat. I am born and raised in Florida and might I suggest people look into buying a neck gaiter, they come in all sizes and are very popular for fishermen and hunters. A lot of people wear them here and they actually help you sweat less in the heat and provide coverage over your face, etc. Tom I think I mentioned in a previous article the strong rumors of the NBA wanting to use Disney World to finish their season. I think you could provide a lot of insight on how this could look and what kinks they will iron out at the hotels first, etc. I also saw DeSantis discussing universities possibly being used too, which is interesting specifically UF. I think FSU would be a good option since they have an indoor practice field.
We haven’t been to Disney World since 2006 and were excited to go back this June with friends in celebration of my younger son’s recent graduation from college (virtual of course). Our over $10,000 vacation was to begin June 12, and we are now just waiting to hear from Disney with the sad news of our cancellation. Thank God we are all healthy (and may God be with those individuals who have been inflicted with this virus or who have lost a loved one to it), but I still feel a sense is loss over the fact that I didn’t get to witness my son walk across the stage to receive his degree, and now we won’t be taking this trip that we spent months planning. Thanks for letting me vent a little.
I’m sorry Susan, that really is the pits. I hope you’ll get to reschedule your trip and celebrate at a later time. My husband and I were supposed to celebrate our 20th anniversary at Disney World starting June 12th. The one good thing I can say is that Disney made the process of canelling our reservation smoth as butter. It just took one click on MDE and we had a full refund of our package in our account in 36 hours. We weren’t ready to commit to a reschedule with so much uncertainty right now, so we put the refund in savings right next to our stimulus check. When Disney is back to its former magical self we’ll be there kicking up our heels in big fashion. I hope you’ll get to kick up your heels and celebrate your sons achievement in due time too. Congratulations to your 2020 graduate.
Excellent fodder as usual Tom, but what does this mean for international visitors?
Do you think the requirement of a mask will be a long term thing? My state has not required them at all, so we haven’t purchased any. Our trip is scheduled for September, so I’m optimistic the parks will be open by then, but I don’t think we’ll go if we have to wear a mask. The Florida heat alone would be unbearable, not to mention that as someone who wears glasses, masks are a pain. I know you would just be speculating, but do you think the masks will ever be just a recommendation in 2020?
Hey Tamra,
I was wondering the exact same thing. We’re also giong in September to celebrate my 30th, but I’ll postpone if masks are mandatory. Not only is it a heat thing but my daughter and I are ASD and wearing a mask is beyond overstimulating.
Would love anyone’s insight into this matter.
Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone can offer you a credible prediction at this point. Things continue to change and evolve on a daily basis, and what’s deemed necessary now may simply be a recommendation in a few months. Or, we could see a second wave with even stricter policies implemented. I wish I could some sort of insight, but it would be a total stab in the dark.
Better masks with the shape-able metal strip for the nose are better for those of us who wear glasses. Still not optimal, but it helps a little.
We have a 2 week trip planned in September and will be cancelling if masks are still mandatory. I am really hoping that Disney quickly realizes that enforcing mandatory masks is not going to work and they make them optional for guests and cast members.
Same! We have a trip booked in September but I’m not going if masks are required. If it’s open – no masks – and pools are open we will be there.
I think masks will be required until a vaccine is available.
I am on the same page you are, Tamra. Really hope that at some point, if masks are still an issue, they will at least be a recommendation. And that it will be clearly posted or explained somewhere. We have just canceled and are not re-scheduling, until the mandatory mask requirement is lifted. Even if it takes years, but I hope not that long.
Also, there was no mention still of what people with young children and special needs are expected to do, if they are unable to wear a mask. Are they not going to be allowed in? I hope Disney does come up with some clarification on that.
Thank you so much Tom, your blog is the best!
Governor Andrew Cuomo said when you wear a mask it says, “I respect others, and I respect you.”
My guess is Disney will focus on one park at a time vs. trying to get the whole bubble up and running, which will take a very long time.
Thank you for the updates — I really enjoy them.
That’s almost funny. I wouldn’t be quoting such a personage…
It’ll be interesting to see how it goes in FL for sure!